The best Mardi Gras parties in NYC

Load up on beads and dig into some gumbo — it's Fat Tuesday!

You don't need to book a flight to New Orleans to take part in the revelry (though please do watch those beads). Enjoy a taste of Nawlins at these outposts on Fat Tuesday.

Start your night with a Taylor Bird Sazerac cocktail at W New York — Downtown (123 Washington St., 646-826-8600) and a free King Cake cupcake from Billy's Bakery. One guest will find a baby underneath all that frosting — if it's you, you'll win a two-night stay for two at the W New Orleans.

A live brass band will play Tuesday night as you enjoy Sazeracs and Bayou dishes at Bo's Kitchen & Bar Room (6 W. 24th St., 212-234-2373).

Chef David Santos is going all out for his Mardi Gras dinner at Louro (142 W. 10th St., 212-206-0606), with dishes like okra hush puppies, po'boys, shrimp and grits, catfish, beignets and more.

French Roast's heritage will serve you right on Fat Tuesday: The restaurant's UWS location (2340 Broadway, 212-799-1533) is serving shrimp remoulade, crayfish, king cake (find the baby, win $25) and more.

Daniel Boulud's DBGB Kitchen (299 Bowery, 212-933-5300) is partying with a whole hog roast, beads, beer and Cajun treats (here's another opportunity to win $25 if you find the baby in your King Cake). The $75 dinner comes with unlimited Abita.

And speaking of Abita, the Louisiana beer company is taking over the taps at Alobar (46-42 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, 718-752-6000), where a five-course, five-beer New Orleans dinner will set you back $50. Live jazz starts at 7.

Bagatelle NY (1 Little West 12th St., 212-488-2110) is serving dinner till 11 p.m. on Fat Tuesday, in case you want to get a late start on the evening. A DJ will spin all night.